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Move over, Alabama and Georgia, there's another program that's firmly in the running for 5-star offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (per 247sports): Ole Miss

Hugh Freeze and the Rebels program are becoming an undeniable force on the recruiting trail and Tunsil appears to be the latest elite recruit to have taken notice.

The offensive tackle took a visit to Ole Miss this past weekend and the Rebels made a great impression, according to a report by Derek Tyson of ESPN.com (Insider Access):

The 6-foot-6, 295-pound athlete said Ole Miss surprised him with what they had to offer. 

"Oh man, it surprised me a lot," Tunsil said with a smile on his face. "I didn't think they would have many things to show me, but it was real good. I didn't think their facilities were like that. They showed me all of that. I didn't think the program would change as fast as it has. 

Tunsil went on to say that his top two has now become a top three, with Ole Miss as the late addition:

By making a solid impression on the talented lineman, the Rebels have moved up with Georgia and Alabama at the top of his list. 

"I mean Ole Miss has been near the top, too," Tunsil said. "But after I went down there, it made them go up a little bit. They are even with Georgia and Alabama. I like their tempo on offense. They think I could fit in with their tempo and I think I could, too." 

Ole Miss entering this recruiting race could end up being a major game-changer. The Rebels are a huge factor right now on the recruiting trail and they are riding some serious positive momentum.

Don't underestimate the persuasive power of momentum when it comes to recruiting.

The Rebels just recently acquired the commitment of 5-star wide receiver 5-star wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (per 247sports)—the No. 1 receiver in the 2013 class, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. The Rebels are also widely considered to be the unofficial favorite for No. 1 overall recruit Robert Nkemdiche and officially the favorite for 5-star safety Tony Conner (per 247 sports). Ole Miss is also the new favorite for recent Florida State decommit Austin Golson (4-star OT per 247sports).

The hype surrounding Ole Miss football is undeniable right now and Freeze and his staff can pitch these elite recruits on being the first class to start an epic turnaround at Ole Miss. They could be the trailblazers that help turn the Rebels back into an elite SEC program both on the field and on the recruiting trail.

It certainly is an enticing pitch, and it seems to be working so far for the Rebels.

Tunsil is just the latest in a growing list of elite recruits that seem to be buying into the hype.

That said, Alabama and Georgia have been the front-runners for a while now and it's not like Mark Richt and Nick Saban are just going to give up now that Ole Miss has joined them in Tunsil's top three.

Georgia is still a major option for the 5-star offensive tackle and Alabama can basically pitch itself to the 6'6'', 295-pound recruit.

If this feels up in the air, even Tunsil himself said that he's confused in regards to this whole recruiting situation (per Tyson):

In December, Tunsil told Georgia early enrollee quarterback Brice Ramsey and current Georgia running back Todd Gurley on his Instagram account that he would be attending Georgia. Tunsil doesn't deny that he said that, but does say things have changed. 

"That was a long time ago," he said. "I'm confused right now. I really don't know what I'm going to do. I think it's going to be like a last-minute thing, like when I wake up the morning of signing day, the first team on my mind is probably going to be the college I pick." 

One thing is for certain, and that's the fact that nothing is certain—especially in college football recruiting.

There have been times when I couldn't count Alabama out and others where it seemed like Tunsil was a clear Georgia lean. Now, for all intents and purposes, Ole Miss has drastically changed the tone and vibe of this recruiting race.

At this point, I'd say Tunsil's commitment is anybody's to win, so these next days and hours leading up to national signing day will be absolutely crucial for Alabama, Georgia and Ole Miss.

Either way, though, it's safe to consider Ole Miss a legitimate option for the 5-star offensive tackle.

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Alvin Kamara is one of the few uncommitted prospects that remains in the 2013 recruiting class. Kamara has narrowed his choices down to two schools—Alabama and Georgia—with one week remaining until signing day. 

Both schools are great options for this talented back, but Kamara should land in Athens.

The first thing that a recruit will look at is playing time when considering a school. Looking at Alabama, there is a returning starter and three experienced backs: T.J. Yeldon, Kenyon Drake and Jalston Fowler. Backup Dee Hart could also contribute next season.  

The Tide also has Derrick Henry, Altee Tenpenny and Tyren Jones committed at running back for the 2013 class.  

Kamara would make commit No. 4 at the position for the Tide.

The Bulldogs have one other running back currently committed in A.J. Turman, and they return two starters next season with Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley returning to Athens for their sophomore seasons.

The depth on the Georgia roster is extremely favorable for Kamara to come in and work his way into a backup role, or to see the field within the next two seasons. At Alabama he would be pushing through a position group as thick as paste, and would have an uphill battle against four experienced backs. 

Both schools run similar offenses, but there are some differences. The Tide likes to run more play-action than Georgia, and the Bulldogs like to throw vertically more often than Alabama. 

Georgia will use the passing game to open running lanes, while Alabama will force the ground game to open the pass. That’s where the production value for a back is different in the scheme. 

At Alabama Kamara would be asked to be a bruiser or a little used speed back. He could handle both roles, but it doesn’t maximize his skill set. 

If Georgia earns his signature, Kamara will be utilized from the backfield as a receiving threat and speed back. He would also be a downhill threat at times, throwing off a defense set on covering a finesse type player. 

His role in the Bulldogs offense would be more versatile than the position he would be placed in at Alabama. Kamara may get lost in the shuffle on the Tide roster like the injured Dee Hart seems to be. 

The Crimson Tide are effective at developing top running back talent if it fits a certain prototype, but since the arrival of Nick Saban and his offense, there hasn’t been an all-purpose type player that has excelled from the backfield. 

An in-home visit is still to come from Mark Richt according to JC Shurburtt with 247Sports. That could be the final selling point needed to bring Kamara into the fold for Georgia. 

#UGA from @mansell247- Richt in-home with Kamara may be the biggest of any recruit this cycle (VIP) bit.ly/VlifLJ #SigningDay

— JC Shurburtt (@jcshurburtt) January 29, 2013

Georgia is his best fit, and by signing day it should become clear for Kamara as well. I would be surprised if Kamara doesn’t end up a Bulldog.

Kamara is rated as the No. 1 all-purpose back and the No. 42 overall player in the country according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

 

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National signing day is just over a week away, and recruitment has the college football world all in a tizzy.

Kids are announcing commitments. Some are taking top secret official visits. Others are getting the big in-home visit from head coaches in an effort to seal the deal.

With the exception of the players who opted to enroll in their school of choice early, drama is peaking. Some kids will remain committed, while others will be swayed another way. Given the fluidity in recruiting, at least until the fax machines start rolling, things are bound to change.

However, right now, a week before the big date, here are my top 10 teams competing for the Recruiting National Championship. It must be noted that getting into the top 10 is an achievement in and of itself. All of these classes are darn good, and the separation between first and 10th boils down to opinion and preference.

If you have not figured this out by now, I'm a big time defensive and physical play guy. Wide receivers and quarterbacks are nice, they wow fans and draw headlines. Offensive and defensive linemen, but linebackers and defensive backs put you over the top when it comes to the fist fight that is a push for a successful season.

10. USC and Ole Miss

To be honest, I could not square leaving either of these two teams out of the top 10, so they get a magical tie. On one hand, you have Lane Kiffin and his small class of elite players, and on the other you have Hugh Freeze surprising folks with his robust class which includes some high-quality talent. 

USC have the pieces in the boat to replace TJ McDonald, Jawanza Starling and Nickell Robey in the defensive backfield. Kiffin also has a pair of running backs and a quarterback who hope to challenge for playing time early. The issue for USC, and it is very real given their scholarship restrictions, is going to be the depth of the class. Not a lot of kids, which that means generating depth will be impossible.

In Ole Miss what you have is a school that is seeing everything fall into place. They are still very much in the running for Robert Nkemdiche, the nation's No. 1 recruit, and Tony Conner, one of the top safeties in the 2013 cycle. What they have in the boat is a gaggle of high-quality players at some game-impacting positions. Certainly you'd like to see more girth out of the class; big bodies on both sides of the line go a long way towards winning in the SEC.

That said, both Lane Kiffin and Hugh Freeze are doing a mighty fine job of addressing their programs' needs.

 

9. Georgia

The Dawgs have 29 kids in their current class, including a whopping 13 early enrollments. Expect that move to pay dividends for Mark Richt, especially in the case of John Atkins, the defensive tackle who has a shot to play early and often, and athlete Tramel Terry, once they figure out where to play him.

Richt, as he's done over the last few seasons, has brought a ton of speed into Athens. He also has some kids who have a ton of potential but will end up being projects. Obviously, Terry has to learn a position and find somewhere to fit into the Dawgs' scheme, but, there are also linemen and linebackers who will need some development before they make their major contributions.

The true beauty in Richt's class is that these kids have some of the ability to be among the SEC's best, as with most players it will come down to not what they did to be highly touted out of high school, but rather what they do once they get to campus.

 

8. LSU

I feel weird about this Bayou Bengals class, because when you just look at the kids on the list and watch their tape, it looks so good. Yet LSU has become such a beast in recruiting that this just feels like what they are supposed to have in a class.

Gobs of defensive talent on the line and in the secondary, some big offensive linemen who want to push people around and a host of "athletes" who will have to find a way to get on the field.

There is talent galore in the form of both kids whom we can expect to come in early and play, as well as guys who will need to develop and grow into their roles. With only one early enrollment, it will be interesting to see how many guys crack the two-deep in August.

Les Miles has certainly reloaded after losing key defensive players including Barkevious Mingo, Sam Montgomery, Kevin Minter, Eric Reid and Tharold Simon.

LSU's in good shape and, as I said to start this out, this class just feels like what they are supposed to have every year.

 

7. UCLA

I've probably got UCLA a little higher than most folks would, but I love this class. Jim Mora is building a team the way I enjoy seeing it done: get good DBs, get tough offensive linemen, get some quality linebackers and a running back who wants to tote the rock.

No, there is no quarterback who makes folks drool in the current class, but that's okay because they have a kid at the helm right now, in Brett Hundley, and Mora has a little time to get his guy.

Of the five defensive backs whom Mora has committed, four of them are 6'1" or taller. That's a coaches dream, big physical guys who can run, cover good range in the back end and deliver a blow when it comes to making tackles. Mora is getting guys who will not only help him beat Arizona, Oregon and USC, but will help him out against Stanford, too.

Watching the Bruins close the cycle will be interesting, since they still have areas of opportunity. Mora's adding big bodies to the offensive line and building some depth in the defensive front-seven; this is a true treat to watch.

 

6. Ohio State

Urban Meyer is at it again. The man is putting together an awesome class. Watching him operate with his legitimate celebrity among the current crop of high school kids is just fun. He is one of those coaches who can walk into a school in Ohio, in Florida, or most places between, and at least pull the ear of the big-time recruit.

The lack of offensive linemen as a whole (just two currently) would be bothersome, except that's a coffer the coach put work into a season ago. Guys like Joey Bosa, Marcus Baugh and Michael Hill will probably step up early and play often on the defensive side of things, while Ezekiel Elliot will likely get early snaps taking hand-offs from Braxton Miller.

What will truly elevate this class in the future is the development of the unknowns, most notably Jalin Marshall, Gareon Conley, Tyquan Lewis and Christopher Worley. For Conley, Lewis and Worley, it is really all about getting bigger while maintaining that speed that made Urban Meyer offer them in the first place.

Jalin Marshall is going to be play a bigger role as the Mr. Do-Everything, if he is up to the task. The converted quarterback will be taking hand-offs and running routes, and if he grows into that role well, he could be the best part of this class.

 

5. Texas A&M

Kevin Sumlin has used the SEC and his elevated position in the state of Texas to hit the recruiting trail hard. He has 32 pledges in the boat for 2013, and it is pretty clear what the head coach is doing: Addressing every area of need that the Aggies could possibly have.

He's got offensive linemen. He's got JUCO players who will have to contribute immediately at key spots. He has project players in whom he sees potential in, and will ask them to develop in his program. Most importantly, he's got 15 defensive players committed, an area of direct need for the Aggies.

The head coach is not only dominating the Texas landscape, but has also dipped into Les Miles' backyard for a couple of kids and gone out to Pac-12 country, as well. Sumlin has really taken ownership of the A&M brand, and high schoolers are buying in. It started before their dream season, and with the success of Johnny Manziel there is no true end in sight to the momentum.

 

4. Michigan

We talked about it with UCLA: loving to see a clear plan coming together. With Brady Hoke and the Michigan Wolverines' 2013 class, the same can certainly be said. It is very clear that Hoke is looking to use this class to transition Michigan into his brand of "run the ball and play good defense" football.

It starts with the offensive linemen. He's got a gang of dudes who fit into that prototype mold and want to fire off the ball and move bodies. Throw in the recent commitment of Derrick Green, one of the nation's top running backs, and you have a clearly packaged effort to run the ball.

Quarterback Shane Morris has to be mentioned here as well. A pro-style guy who improved his mechanics in his senior season, he will benefit from not only the line play but from the running game as well.

While Hoke does have some developmental guys, he also has players like Mike McCray who will come in with a lot of the pieces to play early. Putting McCray into the mix with Jake Ryan and Joe Bolden is going to really up the competition in the linebacker ranks, and that's a good thing.

 

3. Florida

Will Muschamp's team got beat down in the Sugar Bowl, and all they got was a couple of big-time commitments from talented players to show for it.

Most notably the "flip" of Alex Anzalone, a guy who was rumored to be big on Florida all along, who used Brian Kelly's NFL flirtation to publicly jump on Florida. Despite the embarrassing loss to Louisville and the loss of some solid playmakers, things are looking up in Gainesville.

Quarterback play was a bugaboo for the Gators in 2012, and Muschamp is losing Jacoby Brissett to NC State, but he picks up Max Staver. Staver's not as highly rated as some of the more high-profile quarterbacks, but he fits what Muschamp is looking for: a big, physical guy who can stretch the field and is not afraid to carry the ball. 

Kelvin Taylor is going to look to challenge for time at the running back spot, and there are a slew of defensive players who will use the departures as an opportunity to play early. Alex Anzalone and Daniel McMillian are both early enrollments, and that means they will have more time to digest the playbook and compete for early playing time. 

The jewel of this class, cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, is going to compete for time as well. Not because of departures, but merely because he comes in with the skills and talent to beat out the current Gator corners. Hargreaves is that unique blend of elite athleticism and polished technique that you rarely see out of high school kids. It is going to be a treat to watch him push for time come August.

 

2. Alabama

Nick Saban is at it again. The four-time BCS Championship winner is just a wizard on the recruiting trail. He is in the running for some elite recruits, but his current list stands up by itself as a top-notch group. Saban has a knack for meshing his project players with guys who already possess college bodies and mixing them into one class.

This class is headlined by three top-level running backs, and as is Saban's way he'll let them sort that out themselves in August. If they are up to snuff, they'll get reps on Saturdays. If not, they will be sitting on the sideline watching. Competition is a beautiful thing.

There is a lot to talk about with Saban's class. He has linebackers to continue the embarrassment of riches at that position, plus the quarterback who just seems to fit his mold. Offensive line talent and a lot of wide receivers help, too.

However, the big get for the Tide is tight end OJ Howard. This is a kid who has some real skills when it comes to catching the football and getting open down the field. He has the ability to really open up the offense in Tuscaloosa, and that will be a major problem for defenses. An elite, pass-catching tight end paired with the power rushing attack is a true nightmare for SEC safeties.

 

1. Notre Dame

I really like Notre Dame's 2013 class. The offensive line coming in is a plus. They have some defensive backs who are going to be true athletic upgrades over the likes of Zeke Motta. Plus, the Irish get another quarterback who fits into Brian Kelly's mold.

Malik Zaire is going to be an interesting addition to the Fighting Irish quarterback depth chart. He's a lot like Everett Golson in terms of his scrambling abilities, and the kid throws a pretty, catchable football. Gunner Kiel, last year's No. 1 quarterback, is going to have some competition on his heels.

On the defensive side of things Max Redfield and Jaylon Smith are definitely next-level-caliber players. Expect Redfield to step in and compete for the starting safety spot that was just vacated by Motta.

How Bob Diaco uses Jaylon Smith is definitely going to be the thing to watch, where this class is concerned. Smith's athleticism affords him the ability to play inside, to play outside and to play with his hand in the dirt. Smith needs to add weight, but the fluidity that he's exhibited will help him get some looks for early time.

Picking the top class is essentially splitting hairs. The truth is, if your school is up near the top ten then you are doing quite alright. For me, defensive backs and linemen are what really give a class staying power. With a week to go, there could certainly be some additions and subtractions to these commitment lists. Ultimately, the coaches who ink these kids are going to determine just how great a class is by developing them.

Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com

Ohio State has nothing to worry about in regards to 4-star inside linebacker Trey Johnson visiting Tennessee.

For a minute, it looked like this surprise visit out of nowhere could have been a cause for concern for the Buckeyes. Over the weekend, Brad Bournival of ESPN.com reported that Johnson did indeed take an official visit to Tennessee.

In many cases this would be bad news for the team not named Tennessee, especially so close to national signing day (Feb. 6), but in his latest report on the subject, Bournival was able to confirm that Oho State has no reason to worry, according to Johnson's coach:

In fact, Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) is as solid as they come with the scarlet and gray. 

“Things are exactly where they were before when he committed to them,” said Johnson’s coach Todd Wofford. “He’s going to be a Buckeye on signing day.” 

Coach Wofford then went on to explain the reasoning behind the visit, per Bournival's report:

“You had an 18-year-old kid that wanted to take a trip,” Wofford said. “He went up there and had a good time. He told me, 'I didn’t get a chance to make that many visits.' 

“He only took one before that and it was Ohio State. He took an official visit. It’s one of those things where it was a once-in-a-lifetime thing. He knows what his job is and what his future is. He had an opportunity to take a visit, so he took advantage of it. He’s done, but the wolves haven’t stopped trying.” 

Remember, Johnson has decommitted once (from Auburn), so had this visit taken a more serious tone, that could have made things a bit more interesting for Ohio State in the days and hours leading up to national signing day.

That said, this appears to be nothing more than high schooler doing the logical thing and taking a mini-vacation while he had the chance.

Who could blame him?

He had the chance to visit a great university and get first-class treatment for a little while. With only days left until his commitment becomes official, this was his last chance to really enjoy the recruiting process and be a VIP one more time.

Some may consider that over the top and selfish, especially when we're discussing an already committed recruit, but I personally have no problems with a recruit getting the most out of the process.

I've seen firsthand the work these players put in from Day 1 as freshmen in high school. In some cases, the great players are preparing long before high school in an effort to be the best of the best.

Countless hours are spent in the weight room, training room, film room and on the practice field—and that's on top of the rigors of being a normal high school student.

To be a Division I recruit you almost have to treat football as a job in high school, so I'm not going to chastise a kid for wanting to take a weekend away to just enjoy what he's worked all this time for.

He's earned it, after all.

When all is said and done, Johnson will most likely end up wearing a Buckeyes jersey on Saturday afternoons, and he has a chance to be a very good linebacker for Ohio State.

This surprise visit to Tennessee will be nothing more than a footnote when looking back at Johnsons' recruitment process in four-to-five years.

Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com

There were many NFL prospects that impressed scouts at the 2013 Senior Bowl, but some players from the Pac-12 had particularly good showings.

UCLA defensive end Datone Jones, Colorado tight end Nick Kasa, Cal cornerback Marc Anthony and Oregon State receiver Markus Wheaton all shined during the practices and the game itself.

Jones, according to NFL Draft Scout, impressed scouts before he even took to the field. His striking physique was duly noted when he had his weigh-in (6-4, 280) before the practice week started.

Jones had a good career at UCLA, but nothing spectacular. If anything, Jones was just a late bloomer, which isn't that unusual at the college ranks.

I remember running into him at the UCLA athletic department offices a year ago while he was waiting to have a meeting with newly hired head coach Jim Mora—he appeared to be nervous about the pending conversation.

Whatever they talked about, it must have worked, because he became more productive than the previous year—Jones had 6.5 sacks in 2012 compared to three the previous year. Part of the reason for Jones' slow rise was due to him coming off foot surgery in which he missed all of the 2010 season.

In any case, Jones is now a projected first rounder in the upcoming NFL draft.

Colorado may have had a lousy year of football (1-11) but a converted tight end may see his draft stock go up. Nick Kasa went from defensive end to tight end in one season at Colorado, but despite his limited offensive resume, he impressed the scouts. From Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com:

A former defensive end, he didn't make the move to offense until late last season, entering the 2012 campaign with just one career catch on his resume. Kasa plays a bit tight and bulky, but he is an intriguing athlete and has really impressed as a blocker this week. He obviously needs some more seasoning, but the tools are there for Kasa to be an interesting developmental draft choice early on the third day.

Cal cornerback Marc Anthony also had a good week. From ESPN:

Cal CB Marc Anthony had the best Wednesday. He turned and ran with Georgia's Tavarres King. I think he runs well, showed the ability to turn and run with guys, and he can break on balls thrown in front of him. He almost had a pick, and he can get physical.

Finally, Oregon State receiver Markus Wheaton had a great week. This kid flew under the radar for most of the season but really deserves all the accolades he is receiving. CBS Sports currently has Wheaton projected second round but I wouldn't be shocked if he went in the first—he is lighting fast and is a good route runner. His size (5'11", 183) is a little on the small size, but Tavon Austin (5'9", 175) is a projected first or second-rounder—so we can't point to that as a reason for Wheaton's second-round projection.

According to the NFL.com's Bucky Brooks, Wheaton had the most impressive Senior Bowl week showing:

Wheaton has been the most impressive receiver at the Senior Bowl -- by far. The Oregon State product has displayed excellent speed, quickness and burst, routinely separating from defenders out of breaks. Most impressively, Wheaton has shown strong hands; he is an outstanding pass catcher in traffic. By showcasing the capacity to make plays at every level, Wheaton has created quite a buzz in the NFL scouting community.

Other Pac-12 players who had good showings at the Senior Bowl include UCLA's Johnathan Franklin, Stanford's Chase Thomas and Stepfan Taylor and Oregon's Kenjon Barner. 

The 2013 NFL Draft will be held April 25-27 in New York City and broadcast by ESPN and NFL Network. 

 

Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com

There were many NFL prospects that impressed scouts at the 2013 Senior Bowl, but some players from the Pac -12 had particularly good showings...

Read the full article on Bleacher Report...

Put on your recruiting hats, boys and girls—the 2013 National Signing Day is fast approaching, and it’s time to predict how things will shake out among a few of the nation’s top recruits.

 

Robert Nkemdiche:

A former Clemson commit, Nkemdiche is the nation’s No. 1 recruit (according to ESPN) and the one whose college choice appears the most clear.

Nkemdiche has offers from all across the nation (including schools like Alabama and Florida), but all signs point to the talented defensive end choosing to play his college ball at Ole Miss.

Nkemdiche recently cancelled his planned trip to LSU, and he has strong family ties to Ole Miss. His brother, Denzel Nkemdiche, plays linebacker for the Rebels, and it appears that Robert is ready to follow in his footsteps.

His father recently told Rivals’ Neal McCready (per AL.com’s Mike Herndon):

I like Ole Miss because the program is on the rise and they have a very good coach. They're having success now. I'm very familiar with the coaching staff. I don't know much about Florida's coaches. I know it's a very good program, but I don't know much about it.

Nkemdiche has the potential to be a dominant lineman at the next level. He’d be a huge get for the Rebels.

Prediction: Ole Miss

 

Mackensie Alexander:

One of the top cornerbacks in the nation, Alexander’s choice is a bit trickier to peg.

Once a Tennessee commit, Alexander decommitted back in March and has had schools hot on his tail ever since.

Mackensie has visited four schools (according to ESPN)—Auburn, Mississippi State, Clemson and Texas A&M. He was originally thought to be a package deal with his brother Mackenroe, a safety with offers from Texas A&M and Mississippi State.

However, ESPN.com's Mitch Sherman has reported that the two are leaning towards separate schools, which blows Mackensie’s recruiting wide open and gives a slight edge to Auburn.

Mackensie just visited Auburn and came away impressed, telling Auburn Undercover (per Auburn Authority’s James Crepea):

It was a good visit. I enjoyed it. Great people. It was a great experience for me to be here. I chose to come here and I was really impressed.

Again, this one will be close, but it looks like the Auburn Tigers are set to snag another big-time recruit.

Prediction: Auburn

 

Laremy Tunsil:

Tunsil is the top offensive line recruit in the nation (per ESPN) and is down to just three schools—Alabama, Georgia and Ole Miss.

Just a few weeks ago, Georgia and Alabama were considered “out in front by what seemed to be a considerable margin” (per ESPN.com’s Derek Tyson), but a recent visit to Ole Miss has seemingly left Tunsil at an impasse.

He told ESPN (per the Jackson Clarion-Ledger’s Hugh Kellenberger):

I’m confused right now. I really don’t know what I’m going to do. I think it’s going to be like a last-minute thing, like when I wake up the morning of signing day, the first team on my mind is probably going to be the college I pick.

While normally it’s never wise to pick against Nick Saban, this might just be the exception. Ole Miss is picking up a lot of steam among the top recruits, and Tunsil’s most recent impression is likely to be the strongest and the most memorable.

Prediction: Ole Miss

Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com

In the wake of what every Trojan fan would admit was a very disappointing 2012 football season, many of those who follow USC have passed the offseason engaging in the bashing of head coach Lane Kiffin.

The screams calling for Kiffin's job have reached a crescendo with nary a day going by where someone isn't questioning his ability to lead the Trojans in 2013 and beyond.

Of course, "Kiffin bashing" is not a new phenomenon. Perhaps the most hated coach in the United States, those who have spit venom at Kiffin are numerous and can be found from coast-to-coast.

But what is fairly new is the inordinate number of Trojan fans who have joined the bandwagon calling for his job.

Naturally, this is to be expected when a preseason No. 1 team—such as USC was in 2012—falls flat on their collective faces by posting a pathetic 7-6 record.

Now many Trojan fans are saying that Kiffin can't coach and are blaming him for everything from USC's futility to starving children in Africa.

Interestingly, these same fans were rather enamored with their embattled coach in 2011, when he led the Trojans to a 10-2 record, but that is another story.

This slide show will look at the reasons why these fans—and the haters around the country—are wrong about Lane Kiffin.

Like its coach, USC will be back in 2013, and those claiming the sky is falling for the Trojans will find a smile creeping back on their faces next season.

Here are the reasons why...

Begin Slideshow

In the wake of what every Trojan fan would admit was a very disappointing 2012 football season, many of those who follow USC have passed the offseason engaging in the bashing of head coach Lane Kiffin ...

Begin Slideshow

I thought I had a wild college experience. I really did.

I honestly went after it with a zealous fervor and tried to get myself into as many weird and strange situations as possible.

But nothing I did is even close to messing with the kind of legendary material Texas A&M star quarterback Johnny Manziel is putting out right now. Not even that one thing with the peanut butter and the alpacas.

He’s a young superstar who has embraced his fame and still continues to pump out college-age ridiculousness in spite of the saturating press coverage that's dumped upon his every move.

Johnny Football isn’t bowing to the quiet “read a chapter of The Boxcar Children and go to bed early” mold most young athletes embrace after rising into the eye of the national media.

Nope, Johnny Manziel is still enjoying his time in school and isn’t in any rush to be someone he’s not. And between his fame and love for living it up, his college glory days are utterly demolishing yours.

Begin Slideshow

With National Signing Day 2013 quickly approaching, which schools are in trouble as the deadline nears?

According to Scout.com, Michigan comes in as the number one recruiting class with Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Ohio State, and LSU rounding out the top five.  

While teams continue to shift in the rankings and make the final push to boost their rankings, three programs are in trouble.  

USC, Oregon, and Florida State, typically strong recruiting schools, are in trouble heading toward the deadline.  

 

USC Trojans

According to Scout.com, USC currently has the highest average star rating out of any team in the country with 4.46 stars.  But, USC only has 13 recruits, which skews that average star rating.  

Nonetheless, 13 recruits who are all four and five star players is impressive.  But the Trojans are still in trouble as the deadline approaches. 

According to Rivals.com, USC had already landed 18 recruits in July and found themselves sitting at the top of the Rivals recruiting team rankings.  The Trojans had everything set in place.  They had a number one recruiting class, a number one ranked team, and a national championship run in sight.  

 

Then disappointment set in.  

USC struggled all season long, finishing 8-5.  Head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff sat on the hot seat. Kiffin is still around, but has lost most of his defensive coaches including Monte Kiffin and Marvin Sanders.  

With the losses of coaches on the defensive side, USC lost five commits on defense and six commits overall.  

According to Gary Klein of the L.A. Times, "Hatcher would be the sixth player who orally committed to the Trojans to reopen his commitment, following safety Max Redfield, receiver Eldridge Massington, defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes, defensive back/receiver Sebastian LaRue and defensive lineman Kylie Fitts."

USC may lose more recruits, and they will not be able to recover from the losses.  

The Trojans will have a strong talent pool of players. But with a low number of recruits, if they continue to lose, the Trojans are in trouble.  

 

Oregon Ducks

Chip Kelly is finally done flirting with the NFL.  Kelly made the jump to become the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.  

Kelly's decision to dive into the world of NFL coaching hinders Oregon's recruiting. But, Kelly's indecisiveness and wavering throughout the season slowed the Ducks recruiting prior to the big announcement.

According to Bud Elliott of SB Nation, "Oregon really didn't have much to lose. Oregon's class numbers just 13, and of those, only six are consensus rated four-stars or better. Hardly a recruiting class of a consistent national title contender."

Oregon should not have much of a drop off since Kelly's flirtation with the NFL already left its mark on this year's recruiting class.

But now Oregon has little time to recover and is without the face of their program for the last four years.

Two other fairly strong football schools in recent years lost their head coaches, Tennessee and Auburn, and then plummeted in recruiting.

Oregon will not drop as much as these two schools.  

But Kelly's indecisiveness and sudden departure has left new head coach Mark Helfrich and the Oregon Ducks struggling as the signing day deadline approaches.  

 

Florida State Seminoles

 

 Florida State is the top ranked recruiting class out of the ACC, but sits at number 21 on Scout.com's list.

The Seminoles have a stacked defensive class thanks to the recruiting power of new defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.  

Offensive coordinator James Coley left the Seminoles for the Miami Hurricanes offense.  Coley was arguably the Seminoles top recruiter, and many players have ties to him.

Coley's loss could spell a loss of recruits on offense as national signing day approaches.  

According to Dallas Jackson of Rivals.com, "Four targets, in particular, may have been rattled by the turnover."

The coaching change has left offensive tackle Austin Golson, defensive end Davin Bellamy, cornerback Marquez White, and running back Alex Collins to reconsider their commitment to FSU.  

Florida State still has one of the higher ranked recruiting classes, but they still have a ways to go. Within the ACC, Florida State is at the top, but in comparison to other teams in the almighty SEC, Big Ten, and Pac-12, the Seminoles have more work to do.

With time running out before National Signing Day 2013, the Seminoles could be in trouble.   

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The Florida State Seminoles have lost the commitment of 4-star offensive tackle Austin Golson.

This is a rather sizable recruiting loss for Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles, but Florida State's loss could ultimately be the SEC's gain.

Corey Dowlar of ESPN.com reports on Golson's decommitment. The 4-star recruit is reportedly uncertain about whether or not Florida State is still in the running, but a few SEC schools certainly seem to be, per Dowlar's report:

Golson made an official visit to Ole Miss, now considered the frontrunner for Golson, earlier this month. He just finished his trip to FSU this past weekend. Golson has also made an official visit to Alabama and previously had one planned for Auburn this upcoming weekend, but that could be on hold. 

It's worth noting and repeating that Florida State isn't officially out of the running for Golson just yet, but for all intents and purposes this looks like the SEC's recruiting race to lose from here on out.

Specifically for Ole Miss, landing the now former Florida State recruit would be a huge win.

Golson is 6'6'', 285 and he's ranked as the No. 8 offensive tackle in the 2013 class according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He projects to be extremely talented at the college level, and at the very least he has incredible potential.

The Rebels are easily one of the hottest recruiting programs in the country right now, and elite recruits are considering Ole Miss to be a major option. Ole Miss just recently landed 5-star wideout Laquon Treadwell, and its considered to be the unofficial favorite for No. 1 overall recruit Robert Nkemdiche.

Landing Golson would be yet another big recruiting win for Ole Miss, and it would be a statement commitment for Hugh Freeze and his staff. At least for now, the Rebels appear to be in the lead. They are the leader on his 247Sports interest list, followed by Florida State.

There's also Alabama and Auburn to consider here, and the Tigers could end up playing a major factor if he does indeed go through with his scheduled official visit. If not, I still wouldn't count out either Nick Saban or new Auburn coach Gus Malzahn on the recruiting trail. Malzahn is slowly but surely salvaging Auburn's recruiting class and Saban's prestige on the recruiting trail speaks for itself.

Florida State isn't officially out of the running just yet, but the odds are stacked against them.

The chances seem rather slim that Golson ends up playing football in any other conference but the SEC.

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College football has become a multimillion dollar business that is driven by television contracts and bowl revenues. One group that reaps the rewards of the modern business model that drives football is the coaches. 

Over the past few decades college football coaching has become one of the more lucrative careers in sports. With the increase of revenue has come a group of overpaid coaches. This is a look at the 10 guys that should feel bad for taking home the cheddar that they do. 

It is a widespread epidemic across the game where teams are under the assumption that they must pay top dollar for unproven coaching talent. Others overpay coaches past their prime. This is an evaluation of coaches that need their contract reviewed this summer. 

 

***Salary information from USA Today 

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An unfortunate casualty of the latest round of college football realignment was the cancellation—at least for the time being—of the Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry in football.

But that rivalry may be renewed in the future, according to a bill filed in the Texas House of Representatives by Rep. Ryan Guillen (h/t: Clay Travis of OutkickTheCoverage.com).

Just filed HB 778; it requires UT and A&M to play each other annually in a nonconference, regular season football game bit.ly/T24EvW

— Ryan Guillen (@RyanGuillen) January 29, 2013

That bill would require the two football programs to meet on the gridiron every year.

And on cue, critics voice their displeasure.

"Doesn't the government have anything better to do?"

Just stop.

Yes, the government has a laundry list of things that should—and do—take priority over ensuring that football rivalries are played. But as Travis points out, government was needed to keep or restart the Iron Bowl, South Carolina/Clemson and Kentucky/Louisville, to name a few rivalries.

But keeping the rivalry going helps the state economy, encourages state pride and gives casual fans something to identify with.

Plus, it's not necessarily something that takes up a lot of time anyway.

The bottom line: Whether it's something that's agreed upon by the two institutions or mandated by the State of Texas, the two programs need to get the rivalry going again—for college football's sake.

Texas and Texas A&M have played 118 times since 1894, with the Longhorns holding a 76-37-5 advantage over the Aggies. Texas won the last meeting between the two teams in 2011; Justin Tucker hit a 40-yard field goal as time expired to give the Longhorns a 27-25 win in College Station.

Plus, think about how much has changed since then.

The Aggies stepped out of the shadow of the Longhorns in 2012, going 11-2 in their first season in the SEC and producing the first redshirt freshman to ever win the Heisman Trophy in quarterback Johnny Manziel.

They've emerged as one of the hot up-and-coming programs in college football and look to continue that momentum this offseason with one of the top recruiting classes in the country.

Meanwhile, Texas is rebuilding, but certainly still playing the "big brother" role in the state.

Why not put state pride on the line on an annual basis? If it's that big of a deal, settle it. Every year. Don't just live off history.

Tradition is the foundation of college football. While several of those traditions are being stripped away as the game evolves into the new era of big bucks and a four-team playoff, some of those traditions need to be preserved.

The Lone Star Showdown is one of them. 

Good for Guillen for kick-starting the process. Whether it's accomplished via the institutions themselves or mandated by the state, these two teams need to get back together.

 

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